Siliguri, Oct 20 (IANS): Militant groups, which pose a danger to the country, are actively using the India-Nepal border, a top security official said here Monday.

"The Indo-Nepal border may seem to be peaceful. But the reality is organisations which pose danger to the country are active there," Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Director General Bangshidhar Sharma said. The SSB guards the Indo-Nepal border.

Sharma, who was on a three-day trip to the area, said steps have been taken for strengthening the SSB's intelligence wing. "We have laid stress on increasing public relations. A welfare programme for people living in the border area has been initiated."

Sharma said guarding the India-Nepal border was tougher than the India-Bangladesh border as the former was an open border as per the India-Nepal treaty of 1950.

Citizens from either country can cross over to the other side through the border without a passport or visa.

SSB sources said militant groups like the Indian Mujaheedin and international subversive organisations are using the border.